Welcome to Massachusetts!

A Practical Guide to Living in the State

Massachusetts, located in the heart of New England, is the region's most
populous state. Lively urban areas, picturesque seaside communities, and
tiny rural towns offer a unique ambiance which each year attracts many
new residents. This web page is designed to provide people contemplating
a move to Massachusetts and those who have recently come here with specific
information on the practical aspects of residency. I hope that new residents
and those considering a move to the Bay State find this web page a
good source of useful information.

Sincerely,William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth

Residency

There is no formal procedure for establishing a legal residence in Massachusetts. Voter registration, automobile registration, a driver's license, the appearance of a person's name on a city or town street list, and rent, utility, mortgage or telephone bills normally provide tangible proof of residence. However, individual public or private agencies or institutions may have their own requirements for proof of residence. To be eligible for the resident tuition rate at a public institution of higher learning, the applicant must be able to demonstrate that s/he is a resident and intends to remain permanently or for an indefinite time. For state universities and state colleges, the length of residency is twelve months; for community colleges, it is six months. It is important to check with the institution as several factors are taken into consideration in determining residency.

Voter Registration

If you are a U.S. citizen, a Massachusetts resident, and you will be 18 years old on or before Election Day, you may register to vote at any city or town hall in person, or by mail, by contacting any city or town clerk's office. Social service, welfare, Registry of Motor Vehicle offices, and offices providing services for the disabled also have walk-in registration services available. Colleges, universities, high schools, and vocational schools have registration availability for enrolled students. Registration in Massachusetts is permanent, but you must register again if you move or change your name.

(For more detailed information ask the Elections Division for the publication entitled "Registering and Voting in Massachusetts".)

Automobiles, Motorcycles

Driver's License (Class D)

If you have a valid license to drive from any state in the U.S. or province of Canada, you are not required to take a driving test to obtain a Massachusetts license. You are, however, required to take a written examination if you have an old license that has expired. At the branch offices of the Registry of Motor Vehicles you may fill out an application form and make an appointment to take the written exam. If you pass the exam and an eye test, a photo license will be issued. Both the license conversion and the new license issued following the written exam is $100. It is valid for 5 years. After this, the renewal fee is $50. For more information, contact:

Registration

Massachusetts residents are required to register their cars. You may do so at any branch office of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Proof of ownership must be presented in the form of the title to your car. If you come from a state which does not require titles, a bill of sale or a past registration will be accepted. Prior to registering your car, you will also need insurance certification issued by a licensed Massachusetts insurance company, indicating that your car is insured in accordance with Massachusetts laws.

Registration costs $60 for two years and $60 to renew thereafter. Note: Costs are subject to change. Other costs can be found at www.massrmv.com

Inspection

Within seven days after registering your car in Massachusetts, you must have it inspected at any gas station or automobile repair shop that has been certified by the Registry of Motor Vehicles as an official inspection station.

An inspection maintenance program requires both a yearly safety and emissions level inspection of motor vehicles. Motor vehicles that are more than 15 years old, that have a maximum speed of 25 m.p.h. or less, that have a diesel engine, that have a registered weight of 8,500 pounds or more, are motorcycles, or are new vehicles being registered for the first time are exempt from the emissions part of the inspection.

The fee for a combined safety and emissions inspection or a safety only inspection is $29.

Seat Belts (M.G.L. ch. 90, s. 13A)

All passengers in vehicles must wear seat belts. Violators must pay a $25 fine if a driver is stopped for a motor vehicle infraction and an officer finds that any passenger is not wearing a seat belt. Under the combined safety and emissions inspection regulations, safety belts are required for motor vehicles where such safety belts were installed as original equipment. In addition, each passenger over 16 years of age not properly fastened in will be fined individually. Children five years of age or under must be protected with an approved child passenger restraint such as an infant, toddler, convertible, or booster seat until they reach 80 lbs. Under the Child Passenger Safety Law, M.G.L. ch. 90, s. 7AA, passengers who are under age eight years old must be fastened and secured by a child passenger restraint, (child or booster seat as appropriate) unless such passenger measures more than 57 inches in height. The child passenger restraint shall be properly fastened and secured according to manufacturer's instruction. Unless required to be secured by a child passenger restraint device such as a child or booster seat, all children less than 13 years of age shall wear a seat belt adjusted and fastened according to manufacturer's instructions. Child passenger restraint devices are specifically designed seating system which meets the US Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards as established in: 49 CFR 571.213.

Sales Tax on Automobiles

If you move into Massachusetts within six months of purchasing a new or used car, you must pay either the full sales tax on the car or the difference between the Massachusetts sales tax and that of the state where the car was purchased. More specifically, if Massachusetts:

a. has reciprocity with the state and you have proof that the sales tax was paid in that state, you have only to pay the difference between the tax rates of the two states.

b. does not have reciprocity with the state where the car was purchased, then you must pay the full Massachusetts sales tax. No sales tax has to be paid if the car was purchased out of state more than six months prior to your move.

Tax Structure

Personal Income Tax

A 5.3 percent tax on earned income from such sources as wages and salaries, unemployment compensation; alimony; Massachusetts bank interest; rents and royalty income; taxable pensions and annuity income; IRA/Keogh distribution; profit or loss from a business or profession; winnings and prizes; unearned income such as dividends and interest (other than Massachusetts savings deposit interest); and capital gains.

A declaration of estimated tax must be filed by those who expect to receive more than $500 of income subject to Massachusetts taxation which is not subject to Massachusetts withholding.

Sales and Use Tax

A 6.25 percent tax on the retail sale of all items is charged unless exempted by statute. A 6.25 percent tax on tangible personal property which is used or stored in Massachusetts and upon which a sales tax has not been paid must be paid. Exemptions include food, clothing up to a value of $175, fuel for heating, newspapers, and prescription drugs. In addition, there is a sales tax on telecommunications services, utilities, and energy (including non-residential electricity, gas, steam, and heating fuel).

Gasoline Tax

“Tax per gallon”, shall be 24 cents per gallon for automobiles and trucks. For aviation fuel, “tax per gallon” shall mean 7.5 per cent of the average price, as determined by the commissioner, for each calendar quarter, computed to the nearest tenth of a cent per gallon; provided, however, that such tax shall not be less than 10 cents per gallon. Contact the Department of Revenue at (617) 887-5070 or visit www.mass.gov/dor for further information.

Cigarette Tax (M.G.L. ch. 64C, s. 7B)

Massachusetts, and the U.S. Federal government implement an excise tax on tobacco products and cigarettes. The Federal tax on cigarettes is overseen by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. The Federal tax varies depending on the type of tobacco product. The Federal tax rate equals $1.0066 per pack of 20 cigarettes. The Massachusetts state tax equals $2.51 per pack of 20 cigarettes, and $3.1375 per pack of 25. The revenue from the Massachusetts cigarette excise tax provides money for existing funds, generally directed toward health programs and smoking prevention projects. For more Information, call the Cigarette Excise Unit of the Department of Revenue at 617-887-5090, or visit their website at:

Automobile Excise Tax

An annual tax levied by the state but collected at the local level. The rate is $25 per thousand dollars of the car's value, as determined by the manufacturer's list price (without options) in the year of manufacture. The tax is figured according to the percentage of the list price. The percentages are as follows:

Year preceding the designated year of manufacture 50%
Year of designated manufacture 90%
Second year 60%
Third year 40%
Fourth year 25%
Fifth and subsequent years 10%

(For more detailed information ask Citizen Information Service for the publication entitled "Massachusetts Automobile Excise" or visit the website:

Estate Tax

The Estate Tax is a transfer on the value of the decedent's estate before distribution to a beneficiary. For dates of death occurring on or after January 1, 2003, the Massachusetts estate tax is "decoupled" from the federal estate tax system. For these dates of death, the Massachusetts estate tax is imposed on estates using the International Revenue Code in effect on December 31, 2000. For estates of decedents dying after 2002, the applicable exclusion amount was $700,000 in 2003 and increased to $1,000,000 in 2006. Future changes to the federal estate tax law will have no impact on the computation of the Massachusetts estate tax. For more information, call the Estate Tax Unit at 617-887-6930 For more information on taxes in general, contact:

Licenses and Permits

Marriage

All persons who wish to be married in Massachusetts must have a marriage license issued within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Out-of-State marriage licenses cannot be used in the process to obtain a Massachusetts marriage certificate (M.G.L. ch. 207, s. 28).
You may apply for a marriage license from any Massachusetts city or town hall. The license does not have to be from the community in which you live or where the event takes place so long as the marriage is performed in Massachusetts.

1) Both parties must apply in person and at the same time to any Massachusetts city or town Clerk's office. Some city and town Clerks require a birth certificate, not a copy of one. Calling ahead is recommended.

2) Applicants must be 18 years of age; the Clerk may request a birth certificate. A court waver would permit underage marriage.

3) There is a mandatory three-day waiting period before the license may be issued, while Saturdays and holidays are usually included in the three days, the day of application is often not, be sure to check with the Clerk. A court waver can dispute the waiting period. The license, once issued is valid for 60 days.

4) As of January 2, 2005, medical certificates are no longer required.

5) If you wish to have an out-of-state clergy person solemnize your wedding in Massachusetts they need to acquire, fill out, and return a form called Certificate of Authorization. Application for an out-of-state clergy person can be downloaded through the 'Commission' Section's website: www.sec.state.ma.us/pre

Applications should not be sent more than six (6) weeks in advance, yet prior to the wedding, (Within two weeks preferred) to the Division of Public Records.

6) If you wish to have an out-of-state Justice of the Peace, a layperson (family member or friend) solemnize your wedding they must obtain a special one-day appointment from the Governors' office. This takes 6 weeks. Contact the Office of the Governor at:

Office of the Governor
State House, Room 208
Boston, MA 02133
Tel: 617-727-4055www.mass.gov/gov
(right side of page find search field and enter "one day" for info and forms.)

For additional information about marriage licenses please contact your city or town clerk's office or:

Fishing/Hunting

Licenses to hunt and fish in fresh water (inland waters) are required of anyone 15 years and over. Trapping licenses are required for anyone 12 years old and over. Anyone under 15 can fish without a license, required that the young person must follow all other freshwater fishing laws. Persons between the ages of 12-14 may hunt only when accompanied by a licensed hunter 18 years or older, provided that a single bag limit is shared and single firearm/bow is shared between the two people. Only one minor per adult is permitted. All other hunting laws and regulations must be followed. Licenses are issued at various walk-in locations as well as online. For more information contact the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife or Department of Fish & Game:

Boats and Recreational Vehicles

State law requires the registration of all boats that are powered by a motor and operated on public waterways and any ATV or snowmobile in accordance with the provisions of the law (M.G.L. Ch.90B). Registration must be with the Division of Law Enforcement. This can be done either at one of the regional offices or in the Boston office. For more information, contact:

Drinking Age (M.G.L. ch. 312, acts of 1984)

The legal drinking age in Massachusetts is 21 (since 6/1/85). Proper identification is a Massachusetts driver's license or a liquor purchase identification card issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. For more Information, contact the Registry at 617-351-4500 or visit their website at:www.massrmv.com.

Liquor Purchase Identification Card

If you are 21 years of age or older and you do not have a Massachusetts driver's license, you may apply for a liquor purchase identification card. Application is made in person to any office of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. The cost is $25 and renewal is necessary. The ID is valid for 5 years.

If the card is lost, the entire application procedure must be completed again and a new fee paid of $25. The following documents must be presented with the application:

A driver's license permit if one has been issued, and

A social security number (SSN) that the RMV can verify with the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) as having been issued OR an acceptable Denial Notice from the SSA. If you present a Denial Notice, you must also present proof of acceptable visa status, and I-94 (Record of Arrival and Departure), and a current non-U.S. passport.

a birth certificate or certificate of naturalization, and

one of the following (or two, if there is no driver's license):

a school or college record with the signature of the dean attesting to the date of the applicant's birth and with applicant's signature; passport; armed services discharge papers; college I.D. card with picture and signature; employment I.D. card with picture and signature; baptismal record (not preferred but acceptable); U.S. immigration record (not preferred but acceptable).

No photocopies of any record are acceptable. Records and documents of the following type will not be accepted to establish your age: draft cards, charge cards, health insurance cards, vehicle registration, welfare cards. An amended liquor I.D. card costs $25.

Gun Laws (M.G.L. ch. 140, s. 131)

In 1998 under the Gun Control Act (M.G.L. c. 140, s. 131), Massachusetts enacted one of the toughest gun control laws in the country. This law has significantly changed the requirements regarding the purchase, possession, carrying, storage, and licensing of firearms. The summary below highlights a few of the key points. However, it in no way sets forth all of the obligations and rights of individuals with regard to firearms laws.

Local police departments have the authority to issue gun permits. Such permits include licenses to carry (L.T.C.) and firearm identification cards (F.I.D.). There are two types of licenses to carry. A Class A license to carry allows an individual to purchase, possess and carry large-capacity handguns, rifles, shotguns and feeding devices. It is the only permit that authorizes a holder to carry a concealed and loaded firearm. A Class B license to carry permits a holder to purchase, possess, and carry non-large capacity handguns and large-capacity rifles and shotguns.

As a result of the Gun Control Act of 1998, any F.I.D. card issued prior to 10/21/98 expired on 6/30/2000. There are two types of firearm identification cards. Unrestricted firearm identification cards allow for the possession of non-large capacity rifles and shotguns. The restricted version of the card is available solely for the possession of chemical sprays such as mace or pepper spray.

Massachusetts gun laws require that all firearms, rifles, and shotguns be stored in a secured, locked container or equipped with a tamper resistant mechanical lock or other safety devices properly engaged as to render the weapon inoperable by unlawful users. Moreover, every firearm and large capacity weapon sold in the Commonwealth must be equipped with a safety device (trigger lock) designed to prevent its discharge by an unauthorized user.

New residents have 60 days to obtain proper licenses. Non-residents may obtain temporary licenses to carry through the Firearms Record Bureau in order to possess and transport firearms through the Commonwealth. All non-residents must comply with all Massachusetts laws regarding transportation and storage while in the Commonwealth.

No one may possess, transport or store any type of gun in a building or on the grounds of any school without prior authorization by the board in charge of the school.

Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2004 converted the ban on certain assault weapons, extended the term of FID cards and LTC (License to Carry) from 4 to 6 years (applicable to licenses issued on or after Sept.14, 2004), added a provision for a 90-day grace period following the expiration of a license, and exempted the LTC renewal fee for active law enforcement officers.

Lawyers

The Board of Bar Examiners may, in its discretion, excuse the applicant from taking the regular law examination on the applicant's compliance with the following situations: The applicant has been a current practicing or teaching lawyer in another state for 5 of the past 7 years immediately preceding petition for admission, teaching or practice of law is so vigorous to prior admission it satisfied the Board of Bar Examiners of his or her good moral character and professional qualities; graduates of U.S. Law schools that, in the opinion of the Board, are equivalent to standards set by the American Bar Association; and graduates of law schools in foreign counties that, in the opinion of the Board, are equivalent to standards set by the American Bar Association. For more information, contact:

Other Occupations

In addition to these occupations, many other occupations are licensed by the state or at the local level. Check with Citizen Information Service for further information.

Transportation

Public Transportation

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates bus, trolley, and rapid transit in Boston and 78 other cities and towns. The MBTA also has a pass program open to the general public which provides passes for the lines regularly traveled by the commuter. You may obtain a pass the last five working days of each month at MBTA stations, participating banks or at four Boston Post Office branches. For more information, contact:

Highways

Massachusetts has 31,300 miles of highways including the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) which stretches the length of the state connecting Massachusetts with upper New York state and roads that lead to Connecticut. Interstate 95, which circles Boston, runs the width of the state from Rhode Island to New Hampshire. Interstate 93 connects Massachusetts with New Hampshire, and Interstate 91 connects western Massachusetts with Vermont and Connecticut. For more information please contact:

Trains

The Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company, contracted with the MBTA, operates two commuter rail lines offering service between Boston and major areas in the eastern part of the state.

North Shore Commuter Services leaves Boston at North Station and services communities as far as Rockport, Haverhill, Lowell, Ipswich, and Fitchburg. For more information, call: 617-222-3200.

South Shore Commuter Services leaves Boston at South Station and services communities as far as Worcester, Franklin, Stoughton, and Providence, RI. For more information, call 617-222-3200 or go to: www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail

Amtrak, a nationwide passenger railroad, offers direct service from Boston to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington D.C., and other points along the eastern corridor. For fare and schedule information, contact:

Buses

Massachusetts is serviced by bus companies which operate in large communities out of Greyhound/Trailways Bus Terminals and by local companies in smaller communities. Check your telephone book for your local office or terminal.

Education

Public Schools

The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, consisting of citizens appointed by the governor, sets policies and establishes state standards for educational programs in all public elementary and secondary schools. Cities and Towns run their school systems individually with the guidance of the board.

Under the Education Reform Act of 1993, seven core academic areas make up what are called the Curriculum Frameworks: Arts, English, Health, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology/Engineering, and World Languages. The curriculum frameworks are designed for teachers to use in preparing their lesson plans, and for districts to use in planning local curricula and are considered key areas of learning required of all students in Massachusetts at the elementary level.

Each town and city school board shall establish the permissible and mandatory ages for school attendance and shall consider the advisability of raising the minimum age for attendance in the first grade to the national average age for such attendance. The age varies from 5-6. To view specific cities' and towns' kindergarten admittance age and month, visit the following site: www.doe.mass.edu/ess/kindergarten.aspx.

For reports on public schools and school systems, visit the following site:

Higher Education

There are 122 institutions of higher learning, public and private, located in Massachusetts. The state institutions include 15 two-year community colleges, nine four-year state colleges, and five state university campuses. In addition, the state colleges include two schools with specialized curricula: Massachusetts Maritime Academy, and the Massachusetts College of Art. The University of Massachusetts campuses are spread across Massachusetts, with the flagship campus in Amherst, the medical school in Worcester, as well as campuses in Boston, Lowell, and Dartmouth. To be eligible for the resident tuition rate, the applicant must be able to indicate residency (physical presence) and twelve months domicile in Massachusetts with intent to stay prior to the date of entry into the state college or university (six months for community colleges).

Housing & Job Opportunities

Massachusetts' 351 communities offer housing in a variety of geographical settings. Cost and availability vary according to location. The Department of Housing and Community Development oversees state programs relating to the concerns of the Commonwealth's cities and towns addressing their municipal management and community development agendas. It has direct management responsibility for over 70 different housing and community development programs. The Department of Housing and Community Development contact:

The MassAccess Housing Registry helps people to find affordable housing in Massachusetts. A key feature of the Registry is to highlight homes for people with disabilities who need accessible or barrier-free housing. For more information please visit the following website, where additional need-based contacts are listed:www.massaccesshousingregistry.org/

Employment opportunities are found in a wide range of manufacturing and commercial enterprises in such diverse fields as computer science, technological research, textile, and tourist industries. One of the best places to get information on the jobs and housing available in Massachusetts is the classified section of a local newspaper. For the greater Boston area, the most complete classifieds are available in the Sunday editions of The Boston Globe or The Boston Herald.

The Massachusetts Division of Career Services assists applicants in obtaining permanent jobs. It maintains job-matching centers throughout the state for general employment placement. DCS also runs state-wide centers for job matching in specialized areas. You must apply in person. For more information, contact:

You can also call local hospitals and ask for a list of physicians. To locate a specialist, call any teaching hospital (in Boston, Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Tufts-New England Medical Center) and ask for the appropriate department for references.

To check the background, disciplinary history of a physician, or licensing/credentialing/complaint info, contact:

Return of Bottles

(M.G.L. ch. 94, s. 321-327 and 301 C.M.R. 4.00)
Glass, plastic, metal, aluminum and bi-metal containers holding beer and other malt beverages, carbonated soft drinks, and artificially carbonated mineral water are subject to mandatory deposit requirements. Wine, dairy products, natural fruit juices, and alcoholic beverages other than beer and malt are exempt.
The refund value is five cents, but may be less in certain instances. Empty containers may be returned to redemption centers or retail outlets which sell or have sold within the past 60 days the same brand, type and size of container. For more information, contact: